Online retailers with subscription models enjoy higher conversion rates, according to new data from Digital Commerce 360’s latest Top 1000 Report.
The data shows that retailers who implemented subscription programs had an average conversion rate of 4.5% – 1.4% higher than the conversion rate for those that did not (3.1%).
The Top 1000 report looks at the best-performing online businesses globally. In 2026, it reported that, of these top 1,000 online businesses, 3.2% used subscription models of some form. They were most widely used by Consumer Brand Manufacturers (CBMs), 4.4% of which offered a subscription option, with Web-Only Retailers next at 4.1%.
The data also showed that subscription models were more widely used in some merchandising categories than others. Food & Beverage led the way at 25%, followed by Health & Beauty (12.2%) and Toys & Hobbies (5.6%).
Chewy leads by example
US pet retailer Chewy – number 10 in the Top 1000 – was highlighted as a particularly successful subscription retailer, with annual sales growing 6.2% in 2025. CEO Sumit Singh said that more than 80% of Chewy net sales use Autoship, its automatic replenishment offering.
Although subscriptions are still used by a small share of leading retailers, Digital Commerce’s data shows clear gains in turning browsers into buyers. As examples like Chewy demonstrate, the model can deliver steady growth when it fits how customers shop.
Subscribe!
Our editor carefully curates two InternetRetailing newsletters a week filled with up-to-date news, analysis and research. In addition to this, there is a dedicated mailer focusing on the subscription economy every second Wednesday – click here to subscribe to the FREE newsletter.
